Finding out what the community thinks

Food banks and advice services, a residents’ group, families and shoppers are among those who will be visited during a New Addington walkabout by leading council and police figures on Tuesday 8 September.

One of a series, the walkabouts aim to give people the chance to share their concerns and to learn how the council and police may be able to help them.

Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for communities, safety and justice, along with deputy borough commander, Detective Superintendent Paul Astbury, will visit the Vine food bank, New Addington Pathfinders, Addington Community Centre and local shopkeepers.

The walkabout will include Central Parade, Salcot Crescent, the outdoor market and the new library.

Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for communities, safety and justice

“The walkabouts are a great opportunity to meet people and to see the good work that is going on in the community, first hand.

“It’s also a chance to find out if there are further ways we can help, and to see what additional support we might be able to give.”

The walkabout will include Central Parade, Salcot Crescent, the outdoor market and the new library.

Det Supt Astbury said: “We want people to be able to put faces to names and to ensure that we’re working together to improve communities.”

Local ward councillor Louisa Woodley will also attend the walkabout, along with council officers from key service departments who will ensure that issues are noted and, where possible, addressed.

Walkabouts have already taken place in central Croydon, London Road, the Latham’s Way traveller site and Old Town. Future walkabouts will focus on the borough’s district centres not already visited.